Hardman Takes Stellar Form Into Sprint Decider

MICK Hardman has declared Zipping Bram right in the mix for Thursday's NSW National Sprint Championship Final (520m) at Wentworth Park.

TRAINER Mick Hardman has declared Zipping Bram right in the mix for Thursday night's Ladbrokes NSW National Sprint Championship Final (520m) at Wentworth Park.

Enjoying a thumping run with his kennel, winning with six of his past nine starters, Hardman takes a two-pronged attack into Thursday's decider, with Zipping Bram joined by grand campaigner Nangar Kash, the son of Brett Lee lining up for his second NSW Sprint Championship.

"We're having a good run but you know what they say … what goes up must come down!" Hardman said.

"The bad runs usually last longer than the good ones so you need to make the most of it while you can. Touch-wood the team's going great at the moment."

Hardman is quietly confident that he can capitalize on that fantastic run of form when Zipping Bram steps out from box one in Thursday night's $10,000 to-the-winner sprint decider.

"I really think the dog is a live chance," Hardman said.

"Providing he gets a clear run through the first corner I can see him getting into the finish. It's that kind of race."

Last Saturday night, Zipping Bram charged home to finish a narrow second to Ritza Gloria in 30.08, where just half-a-length separated the first four across the line in rain soaked conditions.

FIELDS AND FORM FOR WENTWORTH PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

"If I look at the final from a punter's point of view you'd say six of the eight finalists need to lead to win," Hardman said.

"The two that don't need to lead you'd say are Zipping Bram and Ritza Coen and they've drawn boxes one and two.

"If you ask me who the one to beat is, I would say Ebby Jet Power. He didn't have conditions to suit last week and is the big improver. And Mark's dog (Ritza Coen) is going great as well."

Winner at nine from 29 overall, Zipping Bram, $7 with Beteasy for Thursday night's finale, has won four of seven starts since finding his way to Hardman's kennels in mid-May.

"I was planning on getting him ready for a crack at the Sydney Cup during the Million Dollar Chase but when they were short of nominations for the National Sprint I decided to chuck him in," Hardman added.

"It means he'll probably have a go at the Million Dollar Chase now instead of the Sydney Cup but later on he'll definitely get over further.

"I've got no doubt he's got the ability to win a nice race – that's never been a problem for the dog … he's always had a motor. It's just been his consistency and I think with some maturity and only taking him to the track for races has really clicked with him. That's all I do … free gallop and race him." 

This time 12 months ago, Nangar Kash ran his trademark honest race to finish second to Good Odds Harada in the NSW National Sprint Final.

A year on, the two will again contest the NSW feature this Thursday night, with Nangar Kash set to exit box eight for a proud as punch Hardman.

"I owe this dog so much," Hardman said.

"He's won 14 races for me at Wentworth Park and led to me getting some other dogs from new owners.

“At 5.30am in the morning he's still scratching around at home like a 16-month old pup – he's an old marvel.

"Being realistic it's going to be hard for him out in box eight on Thursday with so much speed underneath him but it's a fantastic achievement for him just to be there.

"When he retires he's got a home for life here … I just love him."

 

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